UK government launches Energy Review
Speaking at a launch event attended by representatives from the industry, business and environment bodies and other stakeholders, Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, said: "I want the widest possible engagement in this vital debate. We need to look at the risks to security of supply, our climate change commitments and, to the long term, to make sure we take the necessary action. There is not a do nothing option. "We start from a strong base. We have enjoyed some of the cheapest prices in Europe for a decade now despite recent increases. We have lifted four million households out of fuel poverty since 1997 and our economy is on track to meet our Kyoto targets on climate change. We're getting more energy from renewables than ever before. "But there are important challenges ahead and the consultation document serves as a wake up call. "Global fossil fuel prices are on the rise and we're becoming a net importer of oil and gas, like many other leading economies, as production from the North Sea declines. In a world of heightened concerns about energy security, highlighted by the recent dispute between Russia and the Ukraine, we need to look carefully at the risks of this new situation. "By 2020, coal and nuclear power plants generating about 30 percent of today's electricity are expected to have closed. Companies will need to decide how this capacity should be replaced. These are big investment decisions so the Government needs to provide a clear framework. If gas, as well as renewables, were to fill the gap, how comfortable will we be relying on imports for 80 percent of our supplies? And what would be the impact on our ability to reduce carbon emissions?" Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks, who is leading the Energy Review, said: "We set out today the energy challenges. They are complex, interrelated and call for a rational, evidence-based and grown-up debate. There is no single simple option that will answer all the questions we're asking and no tick-box 'yes' or 'no' answers. "As well as energy supply we also need to look at demand. I am determined that we make the connection between this review and the energy we consume in our everyday lives. We are all part of the problem and we need to become part of the solution.” 6 Full and summary versions of the consultation document are available at http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/review . Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the Review can do so on-line or in writing to Energy Review Team, DTI, 1 Victoria Street , London SW1H 0ET or EnergyReviewConsultation@dti.gsi.gov.uk . The closing date for submissions is 14 April.
•Date: 24th Jan 2006• Region: UK • Type: Article •Topic: Power management |
